This home was built by Alexander Syme, an owner of the Eagle Flour Mill. This was the first mansion built on Forest Ave. and began the migration of Menasha's industrialists to the Neenah side of Doty Island. Edward Townsend Mix's altered eclectic architectural designs provided Queen Anne and Second Empire features as well as a matching carriage house that was later converted into part of the residence. This is one of two houses in the city to have these characteristics. While being isolated as the first house on Forest Ave at it's completion in 1882, the Alexander Syme house became fully integrated into Neenah's community. The exceptional architectural work of Milwaukee's Edward Townsend Mix led for quite an interesting local family life on Forest Ave.
Mrs. Syme, Alexander's wife, was the oldest daughter of Henry Hewitt, prominent business owner in Neenah and Menasha. She was the aunt of Charles R. Smith's first wife, Jennie Mathewson, who also happened to be their next door neighbor once other houses were completed. Mrs. Syme was also the sister of Mrs. D. L. Kimberly who lived on East Wisconsin Avenue. In addition to all the historical family ties, Mrs. Syme's niece, Mabel Kimberly, became the wife of Albert C. Gilbert. Albert Gilbert grew up in this house after his father William purchased it from the Syme family.
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Gilbert with daughter Frances
Sources:
"Edward Townsend Mix." Urban Milwaukee RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 May 2015.
"Wisconsin Historical Society." 910 E FOREST AVE. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 May 2015.
"An American Downton Abbey: Many Mansions." An American Downton Abbey: Many Mansions. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 May 2015.
Photo from Neenah Historical Society photo collection via Flickr (neenahhistoricalsociety.com) 30 Apr 2021.
"Edward Townsend Mix." Urban Milwaukee RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 May 2015.
"Wisconsin Historical Society." 910 E FOREST AVE. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 May 2015.
"An American Downton Abbey: Many Mansions." An American Downton Abbey: Many Mansions. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 May 2015.
Photo from Neenah Historical Society photo collection via Flickr (neenahhistoricalsociety.com) 30 Apr 2021.